THE month of June is set a fantastic time in the Benarty community as a year of preparation by The Benarty Events Group comes to fruition.

But the Group would welcome a few more people to volunteer and help make Flaming June one of the best ever for the people of Ballingry, Lochore, Crosshill and Glencraig.

First up on Saturday June 22 is, Benarty Pipe Band Competition, incorporating, for the first time, the ‘Kingdom of Fife’ Juvenile Championship. Chairman, Eddie Easson explained: “We have worked alongside the RSPBA to be more inclusive to juvenile bands.

"We hope that the generous prize money, along with the beautiful setting of Lochore Meadows Country Park, encourages youngsters from all over Scotland to take part.”

The Annual Pipe Band Competition shows a few changes this year. Explained Eddie: “This year we have decided to stage a juvenile pipe band championship during the day's event. This will be called The Kingdom of Fife Juvenile Championship.

"Already many bands have registered to come to the Championships including bands from Australia and America. This year there will also be a come and try marquee, where any budding piper or drummer can come and have at go at playing the instruments".

A major part of the day is The Benarty Highland Dancing Competition, run by Sarah Hendry. Sarah has built up the event to what it is today. Dancers come from all over Scotland and nine new trophies are being introduced this year, all named after well known places in the Benarty area.

Like years gone past there will be an avenue of stalls for people to wander around, there will also be food vendors and The Group’s Beer Tent.

Added Eddie: "The honour of Games Chieftain this year goes to Michael O’Hare. Michael has been a stalwart in our area with his community work as part of many local groups over the years and more recently with his involvement with Benarty Centre management and Benarty Forum’s Community Shop".

Sunday June 30 is Benarty Gala Day. Chairman Easson stated: “When The Benarty Events Group was formed it was our aim to bring things to the Benarty Community as inexpensively as possible, if not free, to make the events financially accessible to everyone.

"We have managed to do that with the Christmas Events. Now, after a very successful year of fundraising, we are able to give every nursery and primary school child in the Benarty area a free gala ticket.”

The free tickets will be distributed by both Benarty and St Kenneth's Primary schools and nurseries along with Dunmore Nursery, and the free ticket entitles the child to a free gala box, drink and wristband for the funfair rides. The Group appreciates that some primary children go to schools out with the area. They too will still get a free ticket.

The parents can make the group aware of circumstances on The Group’s Facebook page. The group would love to extend this to every senior school child, but unfortunately, they can’t achieve this at the moment

Gala tickets are now on sale, the cost will be £2, the ticket, like the free tickets, include a gala box, drink and ride wristband. They can be purchased at the Benarty Centre, The Benarty Community Shop, both in Ballingry; Domestic Bliss, Lochore and Costcutters, Crosshill.

Like years gone by the gala parade will leave The Benarty Centre at noon and head down to the Meedies Country Park. The parade will consist of floats, dancers, street acts and bands. There will be a competition for the best decorated float. If you would like a float get in touch with the group where they can give assistance into getting you started.

Said Eddie: "Also in the parade we would like the children and adults to get involved by wearing fancy dress there will be a small memento for those taking part.

"At the Meedies, along with the children’s funfair rides and entertainment, there will be food vendors and various stalls. This year there will also have The Benarty Art Gallery. The Gallery is a chance for all local artists, sculptors and photographers to put their works on show to the public. Already there has been a big response to this.

"In the arena there is another first with the Wrestling Ring, though sadly it’s not an audience participation event. There will be various displays in the arena including karate, dancing and children’s races".

The chairman concluded: “Everything that the Benarty Events Group achieve is done through hard work and support from a fantastic community. "Our community lottery goes from strength to strength and gives the group the platform to achieve.

"The group consists of nineteen people, which is not enough to enough to do all the jobs at these events. Again this is where the community comes to the fore volunteering to help us on the day. This year is no different from any other and if you can help us on the days please get in touch.”

The Benarty Events Group adopted a motto a long time ago. Teamwork Makes Dreams work. And Eddie urged people to come forward and be part of the team and get involved in the community.